Home
Balance

Hollow Knight: Silksong - The Ultimate Guide to a Legend in the Making

Last Updated: October 23, 2025

Hornet in Hollow Knight: Silksong, exploring the mysterious kingdom of Pharloom.

The wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong has become a legend in its own right. What began as a planned DLC for the universally acclaimed Hollow Knight has blossomed into a full-fledged sequel, and its journey through development has captivated, and at times agonized, a global audience. As one of the most anticipated video games of all time, every scrap of information is scrutinized.

Our mission is to cut through the speculation and provide the most up-to-date, authoritative guide on everything we truly know about Team Cherry’s masterpiece in the making.

The Release Date: A Story of Anticipation and Delay

Let's address the most pressing question first: Hollow Knight: Silksong does not have a release date. Despite numerous rumors, store page placeholders, and hopeful predictions, developer Team Cherry has not announced a launch window.

The most concrete information came during the 2022 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, where Silksong was featured with a gameplay trailer. A subsequent announcement from Xbox confirmed that every game shown was slated to be released within the next 12 months, pointing to a launch by June 2023. However, in May 2023, Team Cherry's marketing and publishing lead, Matthew Griffin, officially confirmed a delay.

"We had planned to release in the 1st half of 2023," Griffin stated, "but development is still continuing. We're excited by how the game is shaping up, and it's gotten quite a bit bigger, so we want to take the time to make the game as good as we can."

Since then, official news has been silent, but the team's commitment to quality over deadlines is clear. This approach echoes the meticulous care that made the original Hollow Knight an indie icon, suggesting the wait will be worth it.

Welcome to Pharloom: A New Kingdom, A New Protagonist

Silksong puts players in the nimble shoes of Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest and a formidable rival from the first game. Captured and brought to the haunted kingdom of Pharloom, Hornet must ascend from the depths to the shining citadel at its peak to uncover the mystery behind her pilgrimage.

This new adventure promises a world that is even larger and more vibrant than Hallownest. Pharloom is a land of silk and song, ruled by strange new masters and haunted by entirely new threats. Team Cherry has promised over 150 new enemies and bosses, from lethal assassins and beastly warriors to kings and ancient creatures.

A More Acrobatic Style of Combat and Traversal

Hornet is not the Silent Knight. Her movements are faster, more acrobatic, and more graceful. Her signature needle weapon, the 'ole Nail, allows for a lightning-fast and acrobatic combat style completely distinct from the original. Players will leverage her superior mobility to dance around enemies, parry attacks, and unleash a flurry of new skills.

Key gameplay changes and additions include:

  • Tools and Crafting: Instead of Charms, Hornet will craft powerful tools, traps, and weapons from materials gathered on her quest. We've seen glimpses of items like Sting Shards (caltrops) and the explosive Pimpillo Bomb.
  • Silk and Healing: Hornet uses Silk to fuel her abilities. Unlike the Knight's Soul, which required standing still to heal, Hornet can Bind her wounds instantly, though this consumes her entire Silk spool, adding a new layer of tactical risk and reward to healing mid-fight.
  • Side Quests: The world of Pharloom is filled with quests from a diverse cast of new NPCs. These tasks will track your progress on notice boards, hinting at a more structured approach to side content than in the first game.

Confirmed Platforms and Game Pass Availability

Hollow Knight: Silksong is confirmed to launch on a wide array of platforms, ensuring almost everyone can join Hornet on her adventure. It will be available on PC (Windows, Mac, & Linux via Steam, GOG, and Humble Store), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

In a major win for subscribers, it has also been confirmed that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.

The Final Word: A Masterpiece in Waiting

The journey to Silksong's release has been long, but Team Cherry's dedication is unwavering. The small Australian studio is focused on delivering a sequel that not only meets but exceeds the monumental expectations set by its predecessor. The "it's ready when it's ready" approach, while difficult for eager fans, is a hallmark of a team that respects its craft and its community. When Hornet finally descends into Pharloom, it will be at the end of a long wait, but all signs point to the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.